KABUL - Afghanistan and its neighbors can draw inspiration from the European experience in looking forward to a more peaceful and prosperous future, built on trust, confidence and mutual interdependence, the European Union special representative said on Thursday.

Ambassador Vygaudas Ušackas made the remarks at an event that he hosted to celebrate Europe Day – the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. He acknowledged the remarkable historical process that has taken place in Europe for well over half a century, which reconciled countries, communities and people.

“This celebration is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate EU's commitment to long-term presence in Afghanistan, which is enshrined in the Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development between Afghanistan and the EU, to be finalized soon,” he said.

The agreement would provide a framework for political and economic cooperation between the two sides over the next decade, including in the areas of development, trade, governance, justice and human rights, especially women's rights, the envoy said in a statement.

Ušackas, calling reconciliation a long-term and evolving process, recalled that 63 years ago Robert Schuman called on European nations to banish war on the continent and spread peace and prosperity globally. (Pajhwok)